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ILO Promotes Elimination of Child Labour in Mining
ILO Promotes Elimination of Child Labour in Mining
By: Michael Mike
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) Builds the Capacities of Stakeholders on Occupational Safety and Health and Elimination of Child Labour in the Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Supply Chains in Niger and Osun States.
In the effort to combat child labour in Nigeria’s artisanal small-scale gold mining supply chains, the ILO ACCEL Africa Project (Accelerating Action for the Elimination of Child Labour in Supply Chains in
Africa), held significant workshops from February 18 – 27, 2025, in Niger and Osun States.
The workshops aim was to empower Stakeholders and representatives from Government, Employers, Workers organisations and community leaders, to eliminate child labour and uphold best
practices in OSH in the ASGM sector in Niger and Osun States.
In addition, Members of Community
Child Labour Monitoring Committees (CCLMCs) in the States were equipped with the necessary skills and tools to enforce Community Action Plans (CAPs), monitor and report on child labour cases, and
carry out interventions effectively.
The Director, ILO Country Office, Dr. Vanessa Phala, represented by the National Project Coordinator of the ACCEL Africa Phase II Project, Mrs. Celine Oni, stated that the objective of the workshop is to
enhance capacities of stakeholders and institutions involved in the fight against child labour.
Participants discussed and demonstrated skills and knowledge to effectively develop, advocate and implement policies and strategies aimed at eradicating child labour.
The ACCEL Africa project firstly, is working with relevant stakeholders such as the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and members of the National Steering Committee on the Elimination of Child labour. The projects outcome is to strengthen institutions to develop and implement policies for the eradication of child labour in the cocoa and ASGM sector.
The second outcome is to address the root causes of child labour through innovative and evidence-based solutions in the supply chains (cocoa and ASGM) are institutionalized. This outcome targets
key thematic areas such as social protection, social finance, occupational safety, health and youth employment, promotion of smooth transitions from school to decent work. “The Durban Call to
Action has emphasized the need to tackle root causes of child labour, which include poverty, lack of access to social protection and Health insurance coverage for the people”.
There is ongoing research by the Project on social protection modalities and coverage, youth employment opportunities in Nigeria. It is expected that the research results and findings would guide the interventions in Niger and Osun.
The Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) in Niger State, Hauwa Zakariyya, said “occupational safety and health is everyone’s business, and it should never be underestimated. When safety is neglected, accidents are bound to occur. In every respectable
workplace, safety measures are observed to prevent casualties while performing our duties.”
“And that is why we find it very, very important that ACCEL Africa project is focusing on artisanal mining to prevent incidents as what occurred in the Kuchiko community, where accidents resulted in
many casualties, particularly involving children. We believe it’s essential to educate miners to enhance safety and avoid such tragedies in the future”.
On his part, the State Controller for the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Osun State, Mr. Solomon Ayinde Alabi, expressed his gratitude for Osun State’s inclusion in the Phase II project, noting that although the state was not fully integrated in Phase I, it would now benefit from the
experiences gained in other regions such as Ondo and Niger States, where the project has already shown positive outcomes.
“I am aware that Osun State was not fully integrated in the Phase I of the project, I want to thank the team for the full integration of Osun State into the second Phase of the project. With success reports
from Ondo and Niger States, I am sure that Osun State will equally record great successes.
“One good pointer to the impacts of the project in our state is the report coming from Ibala community. It is pleasing to report that cases of out of school children in the community has been drastically reduced to almost zero level. This is good news is credited to the activities of the CCLMC
in the community.
“I wish to remind and appeal to us as parents, guardians, and community to make the best use of this opportunity to intensify our commitment in fighting against the menace, child labour in our respective communities. We are expected to know and share the knowledge to others so that the
goal of the project can be achieved”.
As part of the workshop activity, the participants visited artisanal mining fields in their various states for onsite observations of the mining practices, noting the tools, equipment, processes and identification of inherent hazards. Additionally, they had discussion with local miners, children onsite
and other stakeholders.
During an interview with children on the field, 13 years old Lawali Yusufa from Korokwa mining field in Minna, stated that the reason why he is mining is to be able to make money. “I am working here because my parents cannot afford to sponsor me through school so, I want to make enough money so that I can start going to school just like my mates. I know that the mining field is very dangerous especially for children like me, but I still want to continue working here because it is the only way I
can make money” Lawali said.
In Idoka mining field, Osun, 11 years old Ibrahim said his dream is to become a miner when he grows up and that is why he works there as an errand boy. “I work here as an errand boy because I want to learn how to mine for gold when I grow up. Even though I’m often chased out of the field, I still insist
on returning because it is my dream,” Ibrahim said.
Meanwhile, the training participants were divided into teams for a group activity to discuss the OSH
risks at the mining site, conditions of work compared to the best practices and decent work expectations, and present what they’ve learned from the workshop.
The training initiative is expected to significantly improve the ability of these committees to act as the first line of defense in the fight against child labour in Nigeria’s cocoa and gold mining sectors.
ILO Promotes Elimination of Child Labour in Mining
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
By: Our Reporter
Prominent Nigerians on Saturday converged in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to attend the wedding ceremony of three children of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Dr. Ali Bukar Dalori.
Gatekeepers News reports that there was heavy traffic in parts of Maiduguri as dignitaries from all works of life made frantic effort to access the residence of Dalori and the Al-Ansar Mosque, the two main venues of the wedding ceremony.
Among those in attendance were top government officials, party leaders, traditiona rulers, business moguls, and religious leaders from within and outside Borno State. The ceremony attracted a large crowd, reflecting Dr. Dalori’s political influence and wide network across the country.
Leading the array of dignitaries is the National Chairman of the APC Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, othe members of National Woking Committee of the APC and large numbers of States Chairmen of the party .
Also in attendance were the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, his Deputy, Hon Umar Kadafur , three Senators from the state- Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Senator Mohammed Ndume Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan and members of the House of Representatives from Borno State
Others are the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen, Abubakar Kyari, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and members of Borno State House of Assembly , former Nigeria Ambassador to China, Ambassador Baba Ahmed Jidda, Former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Alh. Ibrahim Bunu, Ibrahim , Former Deputy Governors of Borno State- Ali Jatau and Adamu Dibal .
The Deputy National Chairman of the APC was full of gratitude to his guests who left their various confort zones to attend wedding of his children- Usman, Falmata and Aisha .
” I’m immensely grateful our National Chairman of APC Professor Nentawe, our amiable Governor of Borno State Prof Babagana Zulum, the Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur and the too many important personalities who came from far and near to honour my invitation, may Allah (SAW) bless you all ” Dalori said .
The wedding rites were conducted in accordance with Islamic injunctions, featuring special prayers for the couples, their families,. The atmosphere was marked by joy, unity, and cultural splendour, as guests exchanged pleasantries and goodwill messages with the host and his family
Security operatives were deployed in large numbers around the venues to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth flow of activities. Traffic control officers were also on ground to manage the influx of vehicles and guests, while emergency and protocol teams worked tirelessly to coordinate movements and logistics.
The wedding ceremony came to a successful end with a reception that featured traditional music, refreshments, and continued interactions among guests, bringing together leaders and citizens in a rare atmosphere of celebration and solidarity.
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
By: Our Reporter
A new video has emerged showing two men, allegedly abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State, pleading for help.
One of the victims, Hon. Hassan Biu Miringa, a former Vice Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, is seen in the video appealing for rescue.
The two men were taken hostage on December 17, 2025, while traveling from Miringa to Maiduguri.
In the video, the abductees said the terrorists are demanding a ransom of $150,000 per person, totaling $300,000, for their release.
‘We were abducted on our way from Miringa to Maiduguri around 2:30. Alhamdulillah, we are alive,’ one of the victims said. ‘We are calling on the government and individuals to come to our rescue.’
The victims specifically appealed to Deputy Governor Umar Usman Kadafur, Hon. Mukhtar Betara Aliyu, Hon. Sule Ali Rimi, Hon. Yakubu Gambo Kimba, and Alhaji Musa Dogo Biu to intervene and help secure their freedom.
‘We are pleading with them to come to our rescue. We are their sons,” the victim said. ‘They said we must provide $150,000 each. For the two of us, it is $300,000. We want to be reunited with our families.’
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba (NMSC) has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Cuba following the killing of 32 Cuban internationalists in Venezuela.
In a press statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the pro-people coalition, which includes labour unions, civil society organisations and intellectuals, alleged that the Cuban nationals were killed during an attack in Caracas on January 3, 2026, while protecting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, his wife, Cilia Flores, and what it described as the sovereignty of Venezuela.
The group said the Cubans chose to resist despite being overwhelmed, describing their actions as a demonstration of courage, honour and commitment to international solidarity.
NMSC drew parallels between the incident and past historical events where Cuban nationals were involved in overseas struggles, including the 1983 U.S.-led invasion of Grenada and Cuba’s military support for African liberation movements in Angola, Namibia and South Africa during the fight against apartheid.
According to the organisation, thousands of Cuban youths lost their lives in Africa while contributing to the dismantling of apartheid systems backed by Western powers. The group noted that Cuba’s internationalism has not been limited to armed conflicts, citing the country’s long-standing medical outreach to developing nations, including Nigeria.
The statement also recalled Cuba’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it dispatched medical teams to dozens of countries and received hundreds of stranded cruise ship passengers at a time many nations had closed their borders.
NMSC extended its sympathy to the families of those killed in Venezuela and called on the United States government to respect international law, halt what it described as foreign military interventions, and lift sanctions imposed on Cuba, Venezuela and other countries.
The group further aligned itself with repeated resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly calling for the end to the decades-long U.S. embargo against Cuba, insisting that global peace and development require cooperation rather than conflict.
The statement was signed by veteran labour activist and writer, Owei Lakemfa, on behalf of the Nigeria Movement of Solidarity with Cuba
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
Dignitaries Gather In Borno For APC Deputy National Chairman’s Children’s Wedding
JUST IN: Boko Haram terrorists demand N423m ransom to release Borno ex-LGA vice chairman
Nigerian Solidarity Groups Mourn Cubans Killed in Venezuela, Condemn U.S. Actions
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